Former U.S. President Donald Trump is running in the Republican primary for the 2024 election. He boasted this Tuesday about strong poll results, still positioning himself as the leading figure among conservative candidates despite facing multiple investigations and accusations.
During a veterans’ rally in Windham, New Hampshire, Trump commented on the habit of turning to the public at polling places whenever he faces new allegations, joking that there would always be one more charge to settle at the polls.
The former president faces three criminal cases in New York, Florida, and Washington, D.C., connected to the Stormy Daniels hush-money matter, improper handling of classified materials from the White House, and alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. A fourth potential charge could come from Georgia, where a grand jury is expected to weigh accusations tied to attempts to influence the state’s 2020 outcome.
Despite these legal challenges, Trump remains ahead in Republican polling. Current data show about 53% support among Republican voters, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis trailing at roughly 15%, according to a poll average compiled by a major polling aggregator (Source: FiveThirtyEight). When modeled against President Joe Biden in a general election, the projections suggest a tight race, with the Democrat narrowly ahead by around one point, though the lead for Trump had been stronger just weeks earlier (Source: FiveThirtyEight).
At the rally, Trump reiterated his criticisms of President Biden, arguing that the political process has pursued him due to “unbelievable poll numbers” and alleging a broader conspiracy. He described himself as a target of what he claims is a coordinated attack, despite courts having dismissed several of his legal challenges to date.
Trump also voiced regret over missing previously scheduled events in Iowa and the 2024 New Hampshire primary due to ongoing legal matters. He hinted at continuing court appearances as the trials proceed, noting that the attorney general’s actions against him are politically motivated in his view, while a formal trial date has yet to be set.
On the campaign trail, the former president pressed his case against his main Republican rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. He accused DeSantis of running for president now after being encouraged to seek higher office, and he asserted that DeSantis was instrumental in securing his own nomination as governor of Florida. The exchange included the claim that DeSantis sought his help in past campaigns and that the timing of a presidential bid should be reconsidered, with Trump suggesting a later run—perhaps in 2028—would be more appropriate (Source: campaign commentary).
In his remarks, Trump also addressed social issues, challenging policies related to gender-affirming care and protection for transgender individuals, and he characteristically framed immigration as a criminal concern in need of stricter policies.
He wrapped the speech by noting the heat in the venue, which reached around 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius). He used the moment to tease the media, joking about how coverage would frame his appearance as less favorable, while pressing the audience to read the poll numbers for themselves.